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Embarrassed by your Dog Eating Feces?
Can there be anything more disgusting than catching your dog eating feces? But eating feces (also known as "coprophagia") is more than disgusting - it also exposes your dog to parasites and diseases.
Some dogs just can't resist it. They will eat not only their own excrement, but from other animals too.
As strange as it may look to you, this behavior is quiet common and normal in the animal kingdom.
Many wild species eat feces, their own and from other animals, to extract nutrients. Fortunately, these animals don't live in our houses and we don't need to hug and play with them. But we do hug and play with our dogs and who wants to hug a dog eating feces?!
Does your dog eat feces and you are too embarrassed to talk about it?
If the answer is yes, let's see what we can do to discourage this behavior. But first…
Why do Dogs Eat Feces?
There were many attempts to explain feces eating but the truth is, not much is known about it.
A lot of people believe that dog's feces eating is caused by a poor diet, but according to the latest research, this is not so.
Some dogs eat feces to grab attention. Others that were punished for defecating indoors may start eating feces to "hide" it so they are not punished again.
Here are some more common causes of a dog eating feces behavior…
- To get attention from their owners
- Stress and Anxiety
- Boredom
- In an attempt to clean up in crowded conditions
Finally, to some dogs, feces tastes too good to resist! Most puppies will outgrow this behavior as they reach adulthood, but some will not. And that's where the suggestions in the next section will come in handy…
Preventing Dog Eating Feces Behavior
Before you try anything, discuss this behavior with your dog's vet. This is a very common problem, so there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Since feces eating behavior is difficult to cure, concentrate on prevention.
Always keep your yard clean of dog feces. If you have a cat, keep the litter box out of your dog's reach or get a cover for the box.
When out for a walk, keep your dog on leash at all times. If you have one of the larger breeds, consider getting a wire muzzle for your dog. He will be able to do everything but eat and bite with his muzzle on.
To break the dog eating feces habit, when you walk past some feces, slow down. If your dog shows interest, in a firm voice, say "NO". If that's not enough, jerk the leash and repeat "NO". If your dog stops, praise him. Eventually, he will learn that you don't approve of his eating habits!
If dog eating feces behavior is due to boredom, get him something to occupy himself with while you are not home.
Kong Toys are made out of tough rubber and you can stuff them with dog treats that your dog will find much more delicious than feces.
Getting to those treats will be time consuming process, but your dog will not mind!
We are not sure what are the causes of dog eating feces behavior. We do know however, that the best way to get rid if this behavior is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
The easiest way to prevent dog eating feces behavior is with the help of Deter Dog Coprophagia Treament tablets.
These tablets work by making feces unappetizing to dogs (no, I am not joking!).
They are safe, without any side effects and are effective on young puppies and older dogs alike.
Some people like to add their own ingredients to a dog's diet to discourage feces eating. I've heard of people using garlic, MSG and even a Tabasco sauce.
While some ingredients are safe, others are dangerous. Before "experimenting", discuss your plans with your dog's vet.
Follow the suggestions on this page and you have a good chance to put an end to a dog eating feces behavior.
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